Rirhandzu Shilubane uses her platform to challenge beauty standards and empower women and children.
In a world increasingly shaped by changing beauty standards where weight-loss culture dominates and more young people feel pressured to change their bodies, Rirhandzu Shilubane is working to rewrite that narrative. When she entered the room, she did so with bright energy and a welcoming smile that immediately put one at ease. She has a presence that reflects both confidence and intention.
Shilubane, is a 24-year-old third-year law student at Wits University. She is also a Top 14 finalist in the Face of Plus-Size South Africa 2026 pageant. For her, the pageant is not about appearance, but about the impact.
“I’ve always known that I wanted to be a vessel of change,” she says. “Even before I fully understood what that looked like, I knew I wanted to work in a space where I could contribute to something bigger than myself- especially in advancing rights and justice.”
Her academic journey reflects this purpose. “I became interested in how laws actually work in people’s lives, how we make sure rights are not just written but realised.”
Her decision to enter pageantry is rooted in deeply personal experiences. Growing up, she often felt excluded because of her body size during pageants at her primary school.
Rirhandzu Shilubane, Top 14 finalist in the Face of Plus-Size South Africa 2026 pageant. Photo: Dzulani Muthaphuli/ Plain World PicturesRirhandzu Shilubane, Top 14 finalist in the Face of Plus-Size South Africa 2026 pageant. Photo: Dzulani Muthaphuli/ Plain World Pictures
“I wanted to be part of something that tells young girls, especially those who look like me, that they are worthy, that they are seen,” she says. “Representation matters. When you see someone who looks like you taking up space, it gives you permission to do the same.”
Through her initiative, Elevate Her and Children, Shilubane has translated advocacy into action, running food and clothing drives, supporting a children’s home, and organising programmes centred on dignity and care.
“Dignity is a basic right,” she says. “Sometimes we think it’s something abstract, but for many children, it’s about being acknowledged, being cared for, being given space to just be children.”
Her advocacy for body positivity is equally extensive. “It’s not just about plus-size women,” she explains. “It’s about everyone. You could wake up tomorrow in a different body, but if you’re not at peace with yourself, nothing changes. Body positivity is about being comfortable in your own skin, regardless of size, shape, or appearance.”
Despite criticism that often surrounds beauty pageantry, Shilubane remains steady in her purpose. “I understand the criticism, because some spaces do reinforce harmful standards,” she acknowledges. “But for me, this platform is about deconstructing those ideas. Even if I only reach one person, if one girl starts to see herself differently, then that is enough.”
Rirhandzu Shilubane, Top 14 finalist in the Face of Plus-Size South Africa 2026 pageant. Photo: Dzulani Muthaphuli/ Plain World Pictures
Her resilience, she says, is rooted in her upbringing. “My mother taught me that when a door closes, you don’t stop- you find another way in,” she says.
Looking ahead, Shilubane hopes to use her law degree to expand access to justice and empower communities through education. “People are not voiceless,” she says. “They have voices, they just need platforms that amplify them. I want to be part of creating those platforms.”
Her message to young women is both simple and profound: “When you fully embrace who you are, you give others the freedom to do the same. And that is where real change begins.”
FEATURED IMAGE: Rirhandzu Shilubane, Top 14 finalist in the Face of Plus-Size South Africa 2026 pageant. Photo: Dzulani Muthaphuli/ Plain World Pictures.
Urban settlements such as townships are being created in rural areas which has raised concerns over ownership and the role of municipal authority.
Urban settlements formed on the outskirts of cities are far cheaper for the average South African.
Public infrastructure and basic services are provided through privatized services and investments.
Community chiefs are granted more authority and jurisdiction over these urban settlements compared to the municipalities that govern them.
South Africa’s cities were never designed equally. Under Apartheid, millions of black South Africans were pushed to the outskirts of cities through policies such as the Group Areas Act, which enforced racial segregation and forced removals.
Decades later, the spacial legacy lives on as those policies continue to shape where people live.
The New South Institute (NIS) hosted a dialogue on March 11, 2026, with the emergence of urban settlements beyond conventional planning systems, specifically on land governed by traditional authorities, on the agenda.
In a research paper, Professor Andries du Toit, NIS affiliate researcher and his team argue that these “settlements should be recognized as a distinct South African urban form, an auto-constructed suburbia, under informal institutions.”
The houses built in these areas, like KwaMhlanga (Mpumalanga), Dassenhoek (eThekwini), Hammanskraal (Tshwane) and Kabokweni (Mbombela region), receive public infrastructure and services. These include roads, water and electricity, which are provided by private companies and/or private arrangements instead of their designated municipality.
“There is a limited investment in social and community infrastructure particularly in the form of churches – people who live in these areas are going to have to travel and spend a lot of time traveling to access education and various other social opportunities and services,” said Dr. Andrew Charman, NIS affiliate researcher.
The New South Institute (NIS) dialogue on working paper, Urban Settlements on Traditional Authority Land: Four case studies. From left to right: Dr. Andrew Charman, Prof. Andries du Toit, Dr. Gaynor Paradza and Prof. Mfaniseni Sihlongonyane. Photo: Bonolo Mokonoto
The residents of these settlements are not given property with prospects of receiving a title deed, they are given a permission to occupy from the chief of the land. “It is not a deed of sale, you haven’t bought the land, you essentially paid the traditional authority for the service of allocation,” said du Toit.
Dr. Gaynor Paradza from the Public Affairs Research Institute (PARI) said, “At most a municipality owns like 12 percent of the land in its jurisdiction and sometimes as little as two percent – as a municipality [they] don’t even have a say on what is going on.” The chief of the land is able to make authoritative decisions granted that they have the support and consent of the community.
The New South Institute (NIS) dialogue on working paper, Urban Settlements on Traditional Authority Land: Four case studies. From left to right: Prof. Andries du Toit, Dr. Gaynor Paradza and Prof. Mfaniseni Sihlongonyane. Photo: Bonolo Mokonoto
“The bottom line is that chiefs make decisions about land allocation, meaning that they are involved in town planning,” said Professor Mfaniseni Sihlongonyane head of the school of Architecture and Planning at wits university. “Maybe there are multiple visions of what cities should be especially in the African context,” he said.
As housing costs rise in central urban areas, many find themselves settling on land that is governed by traditional leaders on the outskirts of cities, as it is more affordable. But the flipside is that they aren’t catered for by the municipality they fall under.
FEATURED ARTICLES: The New South Institute (NIS) dialogue on working paper, Urban Settlements on Traditional Authority Land: Four case studies. From left to right: Dr. Gaynor Paradza, Prof. Mfaniseni Sihlongonyane and Dr. Ngaka Mosiane. Photo: Bonolo Mokonoto.
The annual Academy awards will finally settle the public’s burning need to know who will win the best actor category.
The 2026 Oscars Best Actor race has turned into a blockbuster showdown between Timothée Chalamet in Marty Supreme and Michael B. Jordan in Sinners. We have reached this point, because both dropped jaw-dropping performances, with Chalamet channelling a wild ping-pong hustler under Josh Safdie’s gritty lens, his third Oscar nomination after Call Me by Your Name and A Complete Unknown. Jordan slays dual roles in Sinners as vampire-hunting twins facing 1930s racism in Ryan Coogler’s epic film.
Jordan has got serious momentum after snagging the Actors Award formally known as the Screen Actors Guild Award for Best Actor. He won over Chalamet, Leonardo DiCaprio in One Battle After Another, and Ethan Hawke in Blue Moon. The Actors Award’s are purely voted by actors, who make up the Academy’s biggest voting group. That love from his peers could tip the scale big time when it comes to the Oscar’s.
Not helping Chalamet’s Oscar campaign is his recent comment about some of the most respected art forms of all time, ballet and opera. At a Variety-CNN event, he said “no one cares about” ballet or opera anymore, “with much respect,” sparking backlash from Whoopi Goldberg, Doja Cat, and arts advocates. The timing couldn’t be worse for the Oscar hopeful. This taking place during the peak of his Oscars campaign is horrible timing.
Chalamet messed up by disrespecting culturally significant art forms. Many fans were outraged and disappointed by his comments as well as confused, because his mother and sister are both trained ballet dancers.
The Oscars is no stranger to an intense battle within their categories. In 2005, Jamie Foxx and DiCaprio had a similar battle for their performances in Ray and The Aviator respectively, where everyone was waiting on the edge of their seats to know who would win.
Truth is, both gave powerful performances. Chalamet’s determination was felt through the screen, Jordan’s ability to play two convincingly different “cousins” – jaw dropping. And not to mention the other great actors in this category DiCaprio, Hawke and Wagner Moura performed brilliantly in their own right.
Whoever grabs the gold on March 16, 2026, between Chalamet or Jordan (or if it is a complete curveball), it’s a win for great acting either way.
FEATURED IMAGE: Who will win the best actor category at the 2026 Oscars. Graphic: Bonolo Mokonoto
The war in the Middle East deeply impacts the lives of people across the globe and South Africa is no exception.
Millions of people woke up to the breaking news on their screens, that the United States of America and the State of Israel, launched airstrikes targeted at Iran’s military bases and nuclear-related-infrastructure, on February 28, 2026. The prospects of a war started brewing after negotiations between the U.S and Iran in early February hit a dead end.
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed by attacks from Israel and the U.S, and the current death toll in Iran currently surpasses 1, 000. Iran has responded by launching missiles and drones towards Israel and targeting U.S military bases across the Middle East. The countries affected by the attacks from Iran include Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates and Kuwait.
But it was the confirmed closure of the Strait of Hormuz on March 2, that had an immediate global impact . According to Reuters, Iranian officials announced that the shipping corridor will be closed and any ship that attempts to pass through will be attacked.
Approximately 20% of the world’s oil supply passes through the Strait of Hormuz, which means global oil prices, inflation, food and petrol prices are likely to increase significantly in the short term.
South Africa imports oil in large quantities, most of its crude oil supply coming from Nigeria and Saudi Arabia. This means that citizens will experience higher petrol prices and businesses will experience delayed goods from abroad. The impact was felt instantly as the minister of Mineral and Petroleum Gwede Mantashe announced an increase in fuel prices effective from March 4, as a result of the current international factors. The price of petrol increased by 20c and diesel by 65c, residents still await further changes as the war continues.
Behind the geopolitical strategies and missile attacks we watch from a distance are thousands of people whose lives have now been forever altered. Families are watching their homes and communities destroyed and those far removed from the shockwaves deal with rising costs and uncertainty.
As the situation unfolds, we are confronted with the fact that war is never limited to the countries fighting it, its impact is felt by everyone. We all mourn and feel the pain of those directly impacted.
Until the day global leaders choose dialogue and peace over destruction and violence, it will be us, ordinary citizens who continue to pay the price for their negligent and violent behaviour.
FEATURED IMAGE: Graphic depicting the joint allies the United States of America and the State of Israel, above Iran. Graphic by: Bonolo Mokonoto
After months of volunteer clean-ups and security upgrades, the heritage site welcomed visitors to the revived space.
The Braamfontein Cemetery wants locals to use the premises for educational and research purposes.
The cemetery has increased its safety measures around the area, as many visitors felt unsafe due to unsecured perimeters.
Visitors can ask for a security escort when venturing deeper onto the property.
The Braamfontein cemetery is regarded as one of the most historically significant places in Johannesburg, but some residents do not feel comfortable visiting due to safety concerns and negative experiences.
The cemetery reopened its gates on February 22, 2026 with increased security for grieving families and rebranded as a public heritage site open for walking tours and educational visits.
Volunteers cleaning up at the Braamfontein Cemetery. Photo: Bonolo Mokonoto
“Just walk, enjoy the space, enjoy the beauty of the architecture of the cemetery”, said Antoinette Morgan, from Friends of Johannesburg Cemeteries (FOJC), a group under the Johannesburg Heritage Foundation (JHF).
“This cemetery has a lot of the old Rand pioneers – the early people who came to establish their life in Johannesburg”, said Morgan. The cemetery is home to many historical figures, such as “David Draper, who was the geologist who first had mass water production pumped up to the highfeld” and “of course Enoch Sontonga” she added.
The architecture at the cemetery beautifully captures its era. Nicola Noble from FOJC working with JHF, said: “The design of the crematorium almost hides its purpose, it is in the shape of – a neo- Romanesque chapel – it resembles a church.”
The crematorium at the Braamfontein Cemetery, with four furnaces. Photo: Bonolo Mokonoto
Morgan said, “A lot of the perimeter fencing was missing on both sides, so people would just walk across the cemetery at will.”
“With a lot of work with Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo, we managed to get them to secure the perimeter fencing on both sides – it is still palisade but it is more secure”, she states that there are guards at each gate and roaming guards throughout the cemetery.
When people want to go deeper into the cemetery for research and feel uncomfortable, they can now ask a guard to guide them through.
Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo did not respond to requests for comment at the time of publication.
FEATURED IMAGE: Graves taken at the Braamfontein Cemetery. Photo: Bonolo Mokonoto
Many gathered to reminisce about the life of Professor Deepak Kar, whose legacy continues to have a lasting impact on all who knew him.
The memorial service of Professor Deepak Kar was hosted on February 25.
His colleagues shared their memories of him.
Professor Kar was a beloved scholar and mentor to many.
The memorial service for Professor Deepak Kar filled up Senate House with friends, colleagues and loved ones on February 25, 2026. Kar passed away on December 21, 2025, after a battle with cancer.
Kar was a well-respected and loved scholar and mentor. He was described as “A citizen of the world” by Professor Nithaya Chetty, dean of the faculty of science at Wits. This indicates how impactful he was to the lives of many on a global scale. He contributed extensively to the study of physics and advanced the global search for dark matter.
Kar was also known for his contagious laughter. “Indeed, Deepak carried those qualities with grace – and a cheeky laughter- he had a child-like curiosity that I found particularly charming,” said Professor Zeblon Vilakazi, Vice- Chancellor and Principal of Wits university.
Chetty said, “In so many different respects I valued him as a colleague, in the official university obituary I described him as a larger-than-life character and I mean that sincerely, he had a tremendous zest for life.”
From left to Right: Professor Zeblon Vilakazi, Professor Nithaya Chetty and Professor Deena Naidoo. Photo: Bonolo Mokonoto
Audience members at the memorial service of Professor Deepak Kar. Photo: Bonolo Mokonoto
Professor Zeblon Vilakazi at the memorial service of Professor Deepak Kar. Photo: Bonolo Mokonoto
Professor Nithaya Chetty at the memorial service of Professor Deepak Kar. Photo: Bonolo Mokonoto
Dr Nandini Kar at the memorial service of Professor Deepak Kar. Photo: Bonolo Mokonoto
Wits Choir at the memorial service of Professor Deepak Kar. Photo: Bonolo Mokonoto
Dr Sukanya Sinha Postdoctoral fellow at the University of Manchester and a mentee of Professor Pak, shared a collective tribute from the students that were impacted by his life. “He would adjust his supervision style to each and every student, because he appreciated that everyone was different – every student needs to be handled differently,” she said.
“He really thought very highly of his students, and he thought that they actually could make a difference to the world [as he has done], and that is something- as students you would love to see in a supervisor,” said Dr. Sinha.
Vilakazi said beyond science, Kar represented a powerful, quite confidence that world class science and discovery can emerge from Africa and stand shoulder to shoulder with the best of the world.
The service indicated that he was and will continue to be a beloved member of the Wits community.
FEATURED IMAGE: The memorial service of Professor Deepak Kar image. Photo: Wits Marketing
The pressure of the beauty maintenance day is piling up and emptying the pockets of many.
There was a time when “beauty maintenance” meant styling your hair and maybe getting it trimmed before school picture day. That was all that was required of you. Now? The expectations for women in particular feel endless – lashes, nails, hair, waxing, eyebrow shaping, facials, wig installs – the list just keeps growing. What used to be simple personal grooming has evolved into a full-time job, that requires a whole day off.
Let me be clear: personal grooming is important. Looking after yourself can boost your confidence, self- esteem, improve hygiene, and contribute to your overall self-care. There is nothing wrong with wanting to feel put together. However, somewhere along the way, beauty maintenance stopped being about feeling good and started feeling like a requirement.
Hair being braded. Photo: Bonolo Mokonoto
A full “maintenance day” for me can easily cost up to R1500. That’s a significant amount of money to spend. Between work, transport, and everyday expenses, budgeting for lashes and nails every few weeks isn’t always realistic. Social media and societal pressures can make beauty maintenance feel necessary.
Nails being cured under a UVA light. Photo: Bonolo Mokonoto
Braamfontein and Johannesburg CBD has a huge selection of beauty salons and maintenance spots. On almost every corner there are nails, brows, or hair services on offer. The options are endless, but unfortunately, the quality isn’t always guaranteed. Many students have experienced rushed appointments, unprofessional service, or results that don’t match the price paid.
The bigger issue, though, is the societal pressure attached to it all. When i walk into a lecture hall and the majority of people have their nails done and frontals installed, it makes me feel like I do not fit in. There is this unspoken expectation that to be “put together,” you must have your lashes done, nails fresh, edges laid, and brows perfectly shaped. And for young women, especially myself, navigating identity and confidence, that pressure can weigh heavy.
A wig getting prepared to get installed. Photo: Bonolo Mokonoto
I think beauty regiments should be about self-expression, self-care and evoke joy. They should make you happy, not anxious about keeping up with the trends. It should feel like self-love, not a compulsory checklist, added onto your budget.
So, before you book your next appointment, do it because you genuinely love how it makes you feel, not because it’s trending.
FEATURED IMAGE: Hair being braded. Photo: Bonolo Mokonoto
An ode to Motown is for the lovers of classic nostalgic music and is a must-see performance.
On February 22, I attended An Ode to Motown, a production staged in celebration of Black History Month, at Joburg Theatre. What unfolded was more than a tribute concert; it was a vibrant, high-energy homage to one of the most influential musical movements to emerge from 20th-century America.
Motown, founded in Detroit in 1959, became the heartbeat of Black American music, introducing the world to artists who would shape pop, soul and R&B for generations. The show paid tribute to this rich history, revisiting classics that still resonate across continents.
There was not an empty seat in sight.
From the opening notes, the audience was transported into a world of polished harmonies, synchronised choreography and timeless storytelling.
The singing was exceptional, powerful yet controlled, capturing the emotional depth that defines Motown. The performers, Liesl Penniken, Lerato Mvelase, Tamara Dey, Hlengiwe Pearl, and Anele Precious Mthethwa, moved effortlessly through beloved hits.
An ode to Motown show image. Photo: Supplied/B Sharp entertainment
Hits such as “Mr. Postman,” “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough,” and “I’m Coming Out,” each song greeted with cheers and nostalgic excitement. The inclusion of “Cruisin”, “Call Tyrone,” and “Water Runs Dry,” along with two soulful renditions of songs by Erykah Badu, broadened the tribute to include neo-soul influences that echo Motown’s legacy.
Quotations from songs by Smokey Robinson added a poetic thread, reminding us of the lyrical genius that defined the era.
Visually, the production was stunning. The performers dazzled in gorgeous, extravagant gowns that shimmered beneath the stage lights. The intricate choreography was both elegant and dynamic, matching the vibrancy of the live band. The theatre itself seemed to pulse with the vibrations of an enthusiastic crowd, their energy feeding the performers on stage.
Yet the show also raises an interesting question: what relevance does Motown’s history hold for South Africa? In some ways, staging this tribute here is like hosting a concert in the United States commemorating the artists of Sophiatown. It is a celebration of a distinctly American Black cultural movement, performed for lovers of classic American music and for those who admire the monumental Black artists who emerged from that era. At the same time, it highlights the global reach of Black music and its power to connect polarizing histories.
Ultimately, An Ode to Motown was a joyful, nostalgic, and beautifully executed celebration. One that proves Motown’s rhythm still moves audiences, no matter where they are in the world.
Vuvu rating 9.5/ 10
FEATURED IMAGE: An ode to Motown, performance on February 22 at the Joburg theatre. Photo: Bonolo Mokonoto
Johannesburg’s water crisis is heavily restricting the daily lives of citizens.
For the past month, the City of Johannesburg has been struggling with a water crisis that has exposed serious cracks within local governance and infrastructure. What started off as a short outage has now spiralled out of control.
Residents have been frustrated by the lack of water services across Johannesburg the city. From Melville, Westdene, Parktown west and Emmarentia, some residents have gone more than 20 days without water.
Johannesburg can not claim to be a world- class African city, while its residents are standing in queues at water tanks for over three weeks. This lack of service delivery is inhumane. Water is a basic need, and the municipality needs to ensure at that this service is delivered to all residents efficiently.
Volunteers in Melville have organised communal water tanks with strict limits per household simply to ensure survival. For elderly residents and families with small children, the daily act of securing water has become exhausting.
Frustration has spilt onto the streets as peaceful protests are being carried out. Protests have erupted in Melville. Residents are angry at the lack of urgency shown by the government. All the while, some are missing school, work, being put through unhygienic conditions and emotional stress.
City officials point to ageing infrastructure, pressure management systems, maintenance backlogs and lack of coordination with Rand Water as part of the problem. The Government has announced intervention plans and committees aimed at stabilising the water supply. But for residents living day to day without running water, these long-term strategies offer little immediate relief.
The lack of planning and leadership is now being highlighted as residents are being impacted. The city of Johannesburg must move pass crisis management and implement sustainable and reliable service delivery.
When taps begin to run dry, this is an indication that governance has failed and South African citizens have to now pay the price.
FEATURED IMAGE: Two plastic containers of water, half empty. Photo: Bonolo Mokonoto
The increase in the minimum wage amount is not as impactful as the minister of labour and employment would suggest.
The minimum wage amount has increased to R30, 23 per hour from R28, 79 per hour.
The new minimum wage is still not enough to sustain South Africans.
Millions still struggle to cater to their basic needs.
The minimum wage amount is set to increase to R30,23 per hour, from R28,23 per hour as of March 1, 2026. South Africans are beyond frustrated by this small change.
“The income is basically the same, given that the economy is also changing. [The government] increasing the minimum wage doesn’t change the fact that things are also getting more expensive. If, lets say, they were increasing the wages, but the economy’s status was still the same at least [there] would be a bit of a change, compared to right now,” said Rose Mongwe, a third-year bachelor of education student.
The minimal increase, means Mongwe, whose mother is a domestic worker will not get an allowance increase this year. She uses what her mom can give her for toiletries and other personal needs. “It is not [as much] as I would want it to be but then it kind of helps here and there and sustains me when I’m unable to get some money for myself,” she said.
Muhammed Siyad the Regional Investment Growth Manager for Southern Gauteng at Absa said, “At the rate at which inflation is climbing, this increase of the minimum wage amount per hour I don’t feel it would affect any households in a positive sense, the reason for that is everything else is getting more expensive, its making it harder for people to manage based on the current salaries.”
Neo Bapela honours in bachelor of education said, “I feel like the [minimum wages amount] is very little, but also it goes according to peoples’ responsibilities, I might think that the money is enough for me, because I don’t have kids, I don’t have other responsibilities.”
The increase of the minimum wage amount does not keep up with the rising cost of living. Many households continue to stretch out their money, the increase of R1,44 offers little to no relief.
FEATURED IMAGE: Cash and coins. Photo: Bonolo Mokonoto
South Africa is again debating the name changes of provinces and towns.
Over the past month, there has been nationwide debate over the name changes of various towns and provinces. This puts into question South Africa’s history and if we should preserve the current names as a reminder or change them to honour our heritage.
Name changes carry real and expensive costs. The updating of maps, road signs, business branding and tourism material require funding and resources that could be used elsewhere. The country has a multitude of more pressing issues – such as a high unemployment rate, and water and electricity shortages- changing the names of provinces and towns shouldn’t be the top priority for the current economic climate of South Africa.
The Eastern Cape’s is currently undergoing a massive transformation on this front. Gayton McKenzie , the Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, approved 21 geographical name changes, including renaming East London to KuGompo and Graaff-Reinet to Robert Sobukwe Town. This has been in line with public consultations and recommendations made from the South African Geographical Names Council.
The name changes are yet to be confirmed as it is the department’s ongoing commitment to ensure that the names highlight the country’s diverse heritage and history. Most residents in Eastern Cape are against the name changes highlighting that the towns historical identity and heritage should remain, as this keeps history intact.
Other residents argue that the changes are long overdue, as the original names are reminiscent of our history and it is important to keep reminders around, so that people do not forget. The renaming project can be viewed as a form of decolonialisation and reclaiming our history and instilling pride over the South African landscape.
King Misuzulu kaZwelithini recently reignited the debate by calling for the removal of “Natal”, from the provincial name “KwaZulu-Natal”, he argues that before colonial efforts the area was simply called KwaZulu. The Zulu king is pleading with politicians to broaden the public debate about these historical boarders as they have been shaped by colonial authorities.
The African National Congress (ANC) has responded cautiously, particularly around the proposals to rename KwaZulu-Natal, stressing that it has not yet adopted an official position on the matter. The party emphasised that any provincial name changes must follow proper constitutional and legal processes.
As the debate continues, we need to critically ask ourselves what impact the name changes will have on the community, whether positive or negative, it will be the residents that deal with the massive changes, and their opinion is of high importance.
FEATURED IMAGE: Geographical name changes debate. Graphic by: Bonolo Mokonoto
Four seasons in, Bridgerton struggles with originality, yet it feels as genuine than ever.
Dearest gentle reader, in this highly anticipated new season of one of Netflix’s most-watched series, Bridgerton season four, part one, is not quite what we expected.
This season focuses on the notorious playboy Benedict Bridgerton’s love story and his quest to find life partner. He meets a lady named Sophie at a masquerade ball and makes it his mission to find her after she leaves the ball in a hurry. This season uses the Cinderella trope, but instead of a glass slipper, Sophie leaves behind a glove. This story line makes the story predictable, as many audience members are very familiar with this trope, it lacks originality.
A very interesting aspect of this new season is that we get an inside look into the servants’ quarters. We are offered a behind-the-scenes glimpse of how the lives of the rich and royal are kept in-order by those who are rarely noticed in these spaces. It is reminiscent of renowned period drama, Downton Abbey.
Through this shift in perspective, the series highlights the invisible labour that sustains the grandeur of high society. Lady Whistledown makes a point of exposing and sharing the stories of these workers, further emphasising their importance in society.
A carriage driver remarks on the behaviour within the ton, stating, “It’s thrilling for them, chaos for us.” This line emphasizes the immense labour servants must perform to maintain the magnificence or grandeur of the balls and social events hosted during the debutante season.
Throughout the Bridgerton series, Benedict has been depicted as sexually fluid, which makes his search for a wife this season feel out of left field and somewhat out of character.
It would have been more compelling to watch him seek companionship with both men and women, ensuring that the character development establishing him as pansexual in previous seasons, did not go to waste.
The chemistry between Benedict and Sophie is undeniable. This is the first season where the main couple get to know each other in a friendly manner, and this was entertaining to watch.
The playfulness and gentle ease they have with each other is refreshing, from the conflict we initially see with the previous main couples in the series.
Despite the predictability and missteps on Benedict’s character development, Bridgerton season four succeeds in feeling emotionally sincere.
This may not be the most original chapter in the Bridgerton storyline, but it proves that familiarity, when written well, can still be engaging.
Vuvu rating: 7.5/ 10
FEATURED IMAGE: Bridgerton season 4 review. Photo: Netflix
Since her announcement as the Democratic Alliance’s mayoral candidate for Johannesburg, Helen Zille has dominated national headlines. In this bonus episode of We Should Be Writing podcast, hosts Lulah Mapiye and Bonolo Mokonoto dissect a media meet-and-greet with the mayoral hopeful. From her extensive political résumé to her controversial public utterance, we examine why the Democratic Alliance has chosen Hellen Zille as their candidate for the 2027 local mayoral elections. Additionally, […]
